Freida B. “Nonie” Smith

April 23, 2013

Freida B. "Nonie" Smith, 100, of Syracuse, N.Y., formerly of Cape Coral, passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at Van Duyn Home & Hospital. Born in Union Springs, N.Y., she lived in Syracuse and Cape Coral before moving back to Syracuse in 2003. She was a graduate of Central High School and Syracuse University, receiving her master's degree in special education.

She taught for over 30 years, retiring from the Syracuse City School District. She attended St. Paul's Episcopal Church for many years and also the Church of the Saviour.

She founded a day program for adults with developmental disabilities in Cape Coral. This grew to become the Freida B. Smith Special Populations Center, which continues to be a thriving piece of the community. She was a volunteer with the Lee County Nature Center and enjoyed playing the piano and organ, traveling and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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Freida B. “Nonie” Smith

Freida was predeceased by her husband, Norman.

Surviving are her daughter, Judy Beverine of Baldwinsville; grandchildren, Kevin (Bonny) Beverine of Baldwinsville and Heidi (Christopher) Beverine-Curry of Syracuse; and great-grandchildren, Courtney and MacKenzie Beverine and Justice Curry.

There will be no calling hours.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Cape Coral.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Freida B. Smith Special Populations Center, 410 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33991.